Midfielders Steed Malbranque and Teemu Tainio plus defenders Pascal Chimbonda and Younes Kaboul are all the subject of a bid by the Black Cats.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane had earlier refused to be drawn on the identity of his transfer targets but revealed he wanted to make five or six new signings before the start of the Premier League season on August 16.

None of the four figure in the plans of Spurs coach Juande Ramos who has already brought in forward Giovani dos Santos from Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric for a combined fee of more than £20million with the Spaniard signalling his intentions to create his own side as they chase a place in the top four.

Striker Darren Bent has also been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane - with Sunderland again one of the mooted destinations - with fellow England international Paul Robinson also expected to leave north London.